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Food Services

We provide the opportunity for all students to meet their daily nutritional needs for meals consumed at school. We provide healthy food choices that support the district’s wellness policy.

The goal of the Food and Nutrition Services Department is to provide high quality, nutritious meals for all students. Each day, the department prepares and serves more than 20,000 lunches for students and staff at all district schools. Breakfast is also served at 28 schools. 

Any student who is approved for free or reduced-price school meals will receive breakfast and lunch at no charge. A new application must be submitted each year, unless you already received a letter from District 196 indicating that all of your child(ren) have been approved for the current school year. 

For information about your student’s meal account balance and to add additional funds to their meal account, please use the FeePay link in the Campus Portal. You may also add funds by bringing in or sending a check payable to ISD196 Food Service to Dakota Ridge front office.

FREE SEVEN-DAY MEAL KITS AVAILABLE BEGINNING NOV. 9 FOR ALL DISTANCE LEARNING STUDENTS

Beginning Nov. 9, all students are eligible for free seven-day meal kits to support their distance learning. Meal kits will be available for pick up near the entrance of any District 196 middle or high school on:

  • Monday, 4-5:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, 7:30-9 a.m.
  • Wednesday, 10-11 a.m. (Digital Academy Meals will continue)
  • Thursday, 7:30-9 a.m.
  • Friday, 7:30-9 a.m. 

Look for the banner and sign for the distribution location. Families with children in multiple schools are encouraged to pick-up all seven-day meal kits at one school.

To take part in this, please complete the Seven-Day Meal Kit Interest Survey. This will allow the Food and Nutrition Services Department to prepare the number of meal kits needed. The survey only needs to be completed once.

Food allergies and special diets

Parents or guardians of a child with a severe food allergy or special diet needs should contact the school nurse. Parents may be asked to have their child’s licensed physician complete a Special Diet Statement and submit it to the school nurse.

The school nurse will share the Special Diet Statement with the school Food and Nutrition Services manager and the district supervisor. The school manager and the parent will meet to complete the Special Nutrition Needs form and agree on a communication plan.

For more information about food allergies and special diets, visit the Allergies page.